Aerial shot - September 2013
Environment Agency
In response to increased coastal flood events and resulting damages, the Environment Agency of the United Kingdom delivered a GBP 27 million project to realign the defences inland, providing significantly improved flood defences to allow for managed flooding. With the help of IUCN, a full assessment against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ was conducted. The Medmerry managed coastal realignment is considered a strong Nature-based Solution. The building blocks of this solution highlight insights from some of the assessed criteria.
Last update: 25 Aug 2022
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Context
Challenges addressed
Medmerry was historically protected by a narrow shingle embankment, holding back only the very smallest coastal storms. An increase in the number of coastal flooding events, exacerbated by sea level rise and climate change, established that the existing shingle bank was insufficient to protect against floods. This posed significant actual and potential risks to life and caused damage to property and infrastructure. Additionally, coastal squeeze caused losses of coastal habitat. The most serious recent flood event before the start of the project occurred in 2008 and caused over GBP 5 million in economic damage and required evacuation due to risk of life. Therefore, the main societal challenge addressed by the Nature-based Solution was disaster risk reduction.
Location
Medmerry, Selsey, United Kingdom
North Europe
Process
Summary of the process
The building blocks highlight a number of key insights that emerged from the assessment of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment intervention against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ. While they do not give a full picture of what can be considered a Nature-based Solution as all criteria in the Global Standard are of equal importance, they illustrate some of the factors that made the Medmerry project particularly successful. In particular, recognising the need for an adaptive approach to stakeholder engagement throughout the various phases of the intervention became a key strength. The local community also turned out to be a connecting factor between the various building blocks contributing to the success of the solution. Most importantly, the assessment against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ supported the UK Environment Agency to reflect on the process and results of the intervention. The building blocks provide insights into some of the lessons learned. These learnings from working with the Standard are now shaping the design of similar interventions elsewhere in the UK.
Building Blocks
Effectively addressing societal challenges
In 2009, a vision exercise that involved local communities, government representatives and statutory organisations highlighted disaster risk reduction, especially flooding, as a major challenge. Coastal flood events have been increasing in frequency in the area and caused significant damage to public and private property. The vision exercise enabled discussions around two key questions: (1) Imagining that it is 2019, what is it about the recreational aspects and management of the site that you are proudest of?, and (2) What were the big dilemmas that you had to think about? The results of this exercise and the subsequent inclusive and participatory processes, informed design decisions and the exploration of multiple benefits. Environmental assessment data of flood events, flood risk mapping and modelling confirmed flooding as the main societal challenge. Impacts of climate change were found to be an exacerbating factor. The mapping and modelling was done in line with Government best practice and enabled assessment of the flood risk to nearby communities.
Enabling factors
The consultation and participation of beneficiaries and affected individuals was a key ingredient for understanding the drivers and possible responses to the societal challenge that are most appropriate in the given context.
Lesson learned
Inclusive governance and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders ensured effective assessment of societal challenges and priorities in the given context, increased understanding and acceptability of the proposed solution and enabled effective planning, implementation and maintenance/management of the Nature-based Solution intervention, with a possibility for creative problem-solving. Key lessons from the Medmerry experience relate to the need for flexibility of the approach when engaging with stakeholders, the need for active, inclusive and participatory processes at all stages of the intervention and awareness raising of the most important issues as well as clear communication of objectives.
Participatory and collaborative approaches
The project placed particular emphasis on stakeholder engagement and participation of local communities in all phases of the project. This included proactively providing information about the benefits of the coastal realignment, gaining widespread support for the intervention and seeking community views and inputs. A comprehensive stakeholder analysis allowed a mapping of how to best engage with the different stakeholders. This was documented in a stakeholder engagement plan. To facilitate regular engagement, representatives from stakeholders and community groups were nominated by their community to become members of a Medmerry Stakeholder Advisory Group.
Enabling factors
A Medmerry Stakeholder Advisory Group was established, made up of key individuals of the local community, including Parish Councils, local businesses and residents most affected by the coastal realignment. The Advisory Group helped shape the design of the project and met regularly to discuss any issues and concerns. The group also shaped many of the design aspects of the intervention.
Lesson learned
The active and intentional involvement of the local community and subsequent support generated, contributed significantly to the success of the Nature-based Solution. This transparent and structured engagement throughout the project and in decision-making processes – starting with the design stage – helped to address concerns, to build trust and to create ownership. Balancing the needs and wants of a diverse range of stakeholders is not easy. We worked hard to make clear what is within scope for discussion and what limits are in place, i.e. price or significant impacts to time. Setting a boundary allowed targeted and realistic solutions to become a greater focus of the conversation.
Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
The expected impacts on the ecosystems in the intervention areas were captured in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This included a mapping of any risks to biodiversity during construction and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. For instance, water voles were translocated prior to the start of the works. A focus on biodiversity protection resulted in the creation of around 300 hectares of coastal habitat and a network of freshwater habitats as well as the enhancement of regulatory services, including for climate, water, natural hazards and erosion regulation as well as water purification and waste treatment. Further, the intervention contributed to an increase of saltmarsh plants, breeding bird populations, invertebrate abundance, marine mollusc species, water voles, reptiles and fish diversity.
Enabling factors
Baseline data on biodiversity (through ecological surveys) was gathered as well as biodiversity outcomes benchmarked and identified during the 5-year monitoring period now continued by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP), who manages most of the project area since 2013 as a nature reserve as part of a 99 year lease. Monitoring methods included bird surveys, vegetation and habitat mapping exercises (including by using satellites), an invertebrate survey and sampling, surveys of reptiles, fish surveys, etc.
Lesson learned
Evidence-based assessments of the state of the ecosystem prior to the start of the intervention enabled the identification of clear and measurable biodiversity outcomes and benchmarks. They also supported periodic monitoring and assessments to avoid adverse impacts and take appropriate measures in response to enhance ecosystems, species and ecological processes.
An economically viable Nature-based Solution
A cost effectiveness assessment of the planned intervention and an options appraisal was undertaken during the planning phase. The proposed options were assessed on their costs and benefits, technical viability and environmental outcomes. This allowed for comparison of alternatives and selection of the solution that would provide the greatest environmental, social and economic benefits. Economic benefits derived from the Nature-based Solution, include around GBP 91.7 in economic benefits (including GBP 13.5 million in environmental benefits). The coastal realignment contributed to the protection of more than 300 residential and commercial properties as well as infrastructure. An estimated 22,000 people visit the area annually supporting the local economy.
Enabling factors
The availability of baseline data, time for thorough planning and gaining the support from the local community affected by the intervention for the chosen option were all essential. Local community support was particularly critical to ensure acceptance of the proposed solution as well as to ensure its long-term success.
Lesson learned
Understanding the options available to make an informed and evidence-based decision on the most viable option was a key success factor. While not considered at the start of the intervention, local businesses turned out to benefit substantially from the increased attractiveness of the area for recreational and touristic purposes. Thus, highlighting the socio-economic benefits for the local community can further generate support for a Nature-based Solution project.
Robust monitoring framework
The expected benefits of the coastal realignment were documented in the planning phase and baselines established. These informed the ongoing monitoring of impacts. Immediately after project completion, a 5-year monitoring programme was implemented. Annual reports summarised findings and lessons learned, which were shared and discussed with local stakeholders, external consultants, academia and risk management authorities in south England. Approaches to project planning and implementation were adjusted as needed. For instance, the approach applied to engaging the local community was adapted based on early experiences and analysis of challenges and barriers.
Enabling factors
The involvement of specialist groups and experts to address specific challenges, such as habitat conservation, the preservation of archaeological findings, etc. proved essential to monitor results, minimise impacts on project implementation timelines and to resolve stakeholder concerns.
Lesson learned
Continuous and regular monitoring was essential and the use of novel techniques (e.g. satellite imagery) and various approaches offered valuable insights on the complexity of processes in the intervention site. A clear monitoring plan that linked findings to project objectives and measures of success provided data on the impact of the intervention.
Impacts
The main positive impacts of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment include improved flood risk management, creation of 300 hectares of wildlife habitats, enhanced landscape quality and provision of recreational facilities. Flood risk has been reduced from an annual overtopping of the defences to a likelihood of less than 0.5% in any given year, which not only benefits over 300 houses but also a waste water treatment works serving the local area. In 2014 we saw a storm which would have previously caused some £6 million of damage to the wider economy, but with the new defences in place, passed without incident. Internationally designated habitat which is being lost elsewhere has been given space to grow, with dramatic uptake by wildlife, including fish, birds and even sharks. Similarly, following comprehensive community engagement, the site is now one the local residents are proud of, with visitor numbers in the region of 20,000 plus per year.
The strength of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment is supported by its strong adherence with the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ. The lessons learned from conducting the assessment are already influencing the design and planning of similar new projects across the UK and the criteria and indicators of the Standard are applied to guide the process.
Beneficiaries
Local community on the Selsey Peninsula affected by coastal flooding (towns of Selsey, East Wittering; Bracklesham, Church Norton and other smaller villages); Sussex Beach Holiday Village, farmers, caravan park inhabitants, local business owners
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 13 – Climate action
SDG 14 – Life below water
SDG 15 – Life on land
Story
Businesses renamed themselves to mirror Medmerry and create new eco-tourism opportunities
Environment Agency
Medmerry was one of the first large scale managed realignment projects in the United Kingdom. Re-imaging a change to the landscape at this scale was scary and not welcomed by the community. Moving the sea closer to my home, or losing more of the English countryside were fears we frequently heard. To overcome these challenges, we adapted our approach and worked more closely with the community and local businesses to create a space which is more than a flood defence.
Placing greater emphasis on community engagement and understanding the concerns, fears and hopes of the people living around Medmerry was key in making the intervention a success. Through this, additional opportunities emerged that were not considered during the original planning, such as the role and benefits for local businesses. This space for engagement has paved the way for future iterations of realignment elsewhere and has become a focal point for the area, with businesses changing their name to mirror Medmerry and create new eco-tourism opportunities. Working with Nature to reduce flood risk has done more than any traditional approach could have.
